What is the pH of a solution that is 0.01 M in hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

What is the pH of a solution that is 0.01 M in hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

Correct Answer: 2

Step 1: Understand that hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid, which means it completely breaks apart in water.
Step 2: When HCl dissolves in water, it releases hydrogen ions (H+) into the solution. For every mole of HCl, one mole of H+ is produced.
Step 3: Since the solution is 0.01 M in HCl, it means there are 0.01 moles of HCl in one liter of solution.
Step 4: Because HCl fully dissociates, the concentration of H+ ions in the solution is also 0.01 M.
Step 5: Use the formula for pH, which is pH = -log[H+]. Here, [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions.
Step 6: Calculate the pH: pH = -log(0.01). This equals 2.

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